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Princess Diana”s dresses to showcase at Kensington Palace

A collection of designer dresses worn by Princess Diana is set to go on display at Kensington Palace next year to coincide with the completion of the 12 million revamp of the Royal residence.

The exhibition will showcase five of the late Princess of Wales” gowns – including three which will be shown in the UK for the first time.

Fans of Diana”s iconic sense of style will be able to see a monochrome cocktail dress designed by Bellville Sassoon, a little black Versace number and two gowns by Catherine Walker – a fuchsia sari-style dress and an ivory silk crepe dinner dress.

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Iconic style: Diana”s fans will be able to see a monochrome cocktail dress designed by Bellville Sassoon, left, a black taffeta floor-length gown worn on her first official engagement at the Royal Opera House in 1981 and alittle black Versace number, right

The star of the show will be a black taffeta floor-length gown worn by the Princess of Wales on her first official engagement at the Royal Opera House in 1981, which marked the beginning of her rise as a fashion plate.

The Elizabeth and David Emmanuel frock, which has never been shown in the UK before, sold at auction last year for 192,000 and features the same ruffled embellishment and sweetheart neckline seen on a dress worn by the Duchess of Cambridge recently.

Fuchsia and purple silk chiffon sari style dress by Catherine Walker. It was worn in Thailand for the Royal tour in February 1988

The show, simply called “Diana”, will be presented against a set created by interior designer Finola Inger, includes bespoke wallpaper designed by Julie Verhoeven and opens on 26th March.

Deirdre Murphy, curator, said: “We have carefully selected this collection of exquisite dresses to illustrate to visitors Diana’s evolving style and the important role fashion played in creating her public image.

“As the princess’s former home, Kensington Place is an ideal setting to showcase these gowns – the atmosphere of the display will be truly magical.”